There are events on this weekend to suit all cyclists. West Down Wheelers are hosting the Tour of Down on Saturday 18th February, Omagh Wheelrs and Phoenix CC will hold their annual Reliability trials on Sunday 19th and the XMTB/McConvey Cycles Off Road Spring Series begins on Sunday as well. For more information on the Mtb series click on Previous Story on the website.

Tour of Down - Saturday 18th February 2012
This is now the second year that the Wheelers are holding this Leisure Cycling Challenge which departs the County Down Village of Katesbridge.

This year there are two planned groups, the first departing at 10.00am the second at 10.15am. The event will start and finish at Katesbridge with sign-on from 8.45am. Changing facilities, toilets and car parking at the hall, toilets and parking on the opposite side of the main Katesbridge Road at the picnic park.

The planned route is from Katesbridge through Castlewellan, Newcastle, Annalong, Ballymartin, Kilkeel, Rostrevor, up the Newtown road to Hilltown, Castlewellan and finishes at Katesbridge. Total Distance = 62 mile. Map details of the event can be found on Map My Ride.

The normal refreshments will be served at the end of the event, Tea, Coffee, Juice, Sandwiches and Buns etc. The event will be a fundraiser for the St John's Ambulance. Many race promoters have been glad to use the services of this organisation and it is a very worthy cause.

West Down Wheelers would encourage as many as possible from the cycling community to take part and show their support for this very worthy event. The St John Ambulance Service believes that it's absolutely unacceptable that so many people die needlessly - because no one could give them first aid when they needed it. St John Ambulance Service teaches people first aid. There aim is to make a difference between a life lost and a life saved. They teach young people in schools, adults in the workplace and at public events they provide a much needed first aid service for those attending and taking part. They provide essential support until the emergency services arrive.

In the interests of safety all riders must wear a helmet.

Phoenix Reliability Trial Sunday 19th February 2012

The Phoenix Reliability Trial will take place on Sunday 19th February. The format will be an A run aiming for an average speed of 20-21mph, and a B run aiming at 17-18mph average speed.

Sign-on – please note change of venue from previous years.

Sign-on will be at the Queen’s “Sport at Malone” clubhouse where there are toilet and changing facilities. The entrance is situated approximately 100 metres past the House of Sport on the Upper Malone Rd. Sign-on is open from 9:30 with the A run leaving at 10:00 and the B run leaving shortly after. The sign-on fee is £5 for those with an appropriate Cycling Ireland licence. Non Cycling Ireland members are more than welcome to ride but will have to pay an additional 50p which goes to Cycling Ireland.

The route is the usual Phoenix RT route, a map of which can be found at: Map of Phoenix RT

Very roughly the route is; to Lisburn via the Upper Malone Rd, through Moria to Magheralin where you turn left on to the B9, left at the T junction on to the B2 to Dromore. Through Dromore to Ballynahinch where you turn towards Downpatrick. Through Annacloy then at the T junction another left turn on to the A7 towards Belfast going through Saintfield and Carryduff. Then it is back to the House of Sport from the Saintfield Rd by passing Belvoir Park Hospital and going over Shaw’s Bridge.

Both runs follow the same route which is approximately 60 miles.

In the interests of safety all riders must wear a helmet.

There will be a lead vehicle for each group and for safety reasons it is important that riders do not overtake the lead vehicle. This is particularly important in towns and at junctions and at any “pit stop”.

The club expects the cooperation of all riders in ensuring the event runs safely and the minimum of inconvenience is caused to other road users and members of the public.

Omagh Wheelers Reliability Trial Sunday 19th February 2012

The Omagh Wheelers RT starts from the Omagh Youth Sport, Cookstown Road, Omagh, BT79 7NZ. There are two routes on off - 55 and 70 mile routes
Sign-on will be from 9.00am with riders moving out at 10.00am.

Entry: £10 which includes food and refreshments after. Hot showers available and sign-on afterwards.

As this is the last event before the 2012 racing season kicks off, this is ideal preparation for your final race shakedown. The 70 mile group will be aimed at competitive cyclists, and will be controlled to ensure a safe and effective workout for everyone.

There will be 1-2 groups planned for the 55 mile route which will cater for both club-competition riders, and also leisure riders. Please see links to both routes below.